2013 Hyundai Elantra
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Service brakes is the leading concern among 1,330 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 26 Elantra model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 95 involved a crash and 31 involved a fire. 68 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideSep 22, 2023
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Campaign 23V651000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, pedals and linkagesNov 30, 2017
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Elantra sedan, coupe and GT vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal, or activate the engine management brake pedal override feature.
If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 8, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 170. This campaign expands recall 16V574.
Campaign 17V769000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchAug 2, 2016
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model 2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured December 1, 2012, to April 30, 2013. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released.
If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with an improved part, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on September 30, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 146.
Campaign 16V574000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/windowApr 1, 2013
Hyundai Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured from November 12, 2010, through March 5, 2013. A support bracket attached to the headliner may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment.
If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner, free of charge. The safety recall began during April 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 109.
Campaign 13V115000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: steering
271 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Jan 27, 2023
Unknown The steering clicks and pulls back unexpectedly. No control on steering wheel works
Steering, Jan 4, 2023
2013 Elantra GT steering coupler has broken due to poor design and plastic materials. Dealership stated this has been a common issue in other Elantra and Sonata models and has apparently been covered with an additional 10years on the extended warranty on all models of Elantra except the GT. The broken coupler causes a clicking sound in the steering and eventually leads to the steering locking and can be a serious safety issue. This model should be included in the warranty as it has already been an identified safety issue on other models. No warning lights or notification on the dash, but loose handling on the road and I was told by my mechanic that continued driving and wear and tear would lead to the steering locking up and potential accident in the future.
Steering, Jan 3, 2023
The steering coupler has gone out on the car, resulting in a clicking/clunk noise when moving the steering wheel. Confirmed by two separate independent service centers who were able to replicate the problem and identify the issue. The part costs $13.99 to replace but looking at a cost of over $500 to replace for labor.
Steering, Jan 3, 2023
I noticed extra play in the steering when I turned the wheel (either direction.) At first, it was minor but over time, the play and noise in the steering got worse. I took it to Tire Choice to have it examined and was told the steering couple was bad and should be replaced but referred me back to a dealer as they felt the repair should be covered. I was told that it is not covered and the repair is costly. I am not able to afford the repair and am concerned about the safety of continuing to drive this vehicle but it is the only car I have.
Steering, Jan 3, 2023
Steering wheel coupler deteriorates and needs to be replaced. All 2007-2015 Elantra sedans have received an extended warranty for this common issue but the 2013 Elantra coupe was left out
Steering, Dec 9, 2022
Starting in 2020, my 2013 Elantra GT, with very low mileage still less than 40K today , started to develop clicking sound when I turned the wheel. This year, the clicking sound is getting louder and more frequent. Today, I was advised by the mechanic who performed the required annual safety inspection that "steering wheel coupler" should be fixed ASAP. After doing some research this is a well known problem caused by the disintegration of the "steering wheel coupler" in the power steering motor. I received a quoted price of $599 from Hyundai Chantilly (dealer) in VA to fix it as it will take about 2.5 hours. I believe this Hyundai cross-models-cross-years wide issue should have been covered by the manufacturer extended warranty to avoid steering lockup accidents.
Steering, Nov 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while his granddaughter was driving at an unknown speed, there was an abnormal clunking noise detected in the steering wheel. The contact stated that while he was driving there was a lot of play in the steering wheel and inside the vehicle. The vehicle was driving roughly, and he could feel the bumps in the road. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering coupler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 122,007.
Steering, Oct 11, 2022
My car only has low miles for the year. The coupling at the base of the steering shaft is loose causing me to not have full control over my steering. I especially feel it going over rough patches of road. It has affected my alignment causing the car to list right when straight. I’ve seen mechanic shops and they have seen the same issue many times with this year and make.
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 7, 2022
My 2013 was stolen because of defective car . The manufacturer choose to sip safety for dollars they could have place a immobilizer in all Hyundai form 2011 until current but did not in the United States, but in Canada it is a must have item.
Steering, Oct 6, 2022
My wife's car has had some play in the steering wheel for about 20,000 miles. It currently has 135,000+. I wrote it off as normal wear and tear. Recently it has started having a clunking noise and a little more play. I researched this and found that this is a common problem on a few years of Hyundai cars. It is the steering coupler in the steering motor on top of the steering column. I even saw posts that said that their vehicles steering had actually locked up while driving. I have tried contacting Hyundai motors themselves and all I get is an automated response. I have contacted the dealership and there is no recall or safety bulletin, or that's what I'm being told. It is a $10-$20 part but $400+ in labor to fix it. I don't have that kind of money laying around but I am scared to let my wife drive it more than a few miles. In my eyes this is a severe safety issue and think this should be taken very seriously by Hyundai but they don't seem worried at all. Myself I would like to have a safe car for my wife and not have to worry if she is going to be OK.
Steering, Aug 19, 2022
I own an 2013 Elantra GT, that currently has about 89,000 miles. Over the last several months, there is a very loud clunk when I turn the steering wheel or when driving over uneven roads (like pot holes). As the noise got worse, I was concerned about something broken in the car. I took this to a national tire dealer (Big O) and was informed that the noise was from a very well known issue in the Elantra vehicles, I made an appointment at the Hyundai dealer and without looking at the car, I was told it did not fall under the service bulletin and the repair would cost over $400. This seems to be one of the few Elantras that Hyundai has not issued the extended warranty for. I'm very concerned that this issue will cause the loss of steering control and will cause an accident or even death. Hyundai needs to extend the warranty to cover the Elantra GT along with all the other Hyundai models
Steering, Aug 11, 2022
Driving on highway and the steering locked up and unable to steer vehicle. I was able to roll to a safe area and vehicle was towed to a repair shop and steering column needs replacement. Thank God I was not injured.
Steering, Jun 17, 2022
Sudden Play in steering with clunking noise before steer Upon googling I see many hyundai cars having this issue A 10$ part replacement that costs 500$ labor
Steering, May 9, 2022
Steering column has clunking sound due to failed steering coupling adapter. This problem has been covered through recall in Elantra and Sonata sedans but not in Elantra coupes. (https://autoservice.hyundaiusa.com/TXX7/MicroSiteTemplate/MicroSiteTemplateVINValidat e/2688) This repair should be covered by Hyundai as a recall campaign to eliminate any potential safety issues.
Steering, Apr 24, 2022
[XXX] Steering coupler failure. There is a recall on other Hyundai models for this same issue, but not the GT models. The flexible steering couple 56315-2k000fff is a known issue, yet Hyundai is saying its not a recall. This is a manufacture design flaw that renders the vehicle unable to be driven safely due to steering wheel shaking uncontrollably. It seems all Hyundai Elantra models using this coupler are covered under a manufacturers special warranty with the exception of the coupe models (this one). Hyundai's website states: "Hyundai Motor America is revising the warranty coverage for the rubber coupling in the motor driven power steering (MDPS) assembly on 2007-2015 Elantra Sedans, 2009-2012 Elantra Touring models, 2011-2014 Sonata Sedans, and 2011-2015 Hybrid Sonata Sedans to 10 years from the date of original delivery or the date of first use, or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first." This is a major safety hazard the manufacturer refuses to recall/repair. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Steering, Feb 18, 2022
I will upload the files. I wrote to Hyundai complaining that I needed to be reimbursed for an expense I incurred with my car. See attachments.
Steering, Wheels, Lane departure, Feb 6, 2022
Sometime around last November or December, I took my vehicle for oil change and other services performed at Pep Boys, I was notified that all four tires are almost worn out and needs to be replaced. All four tires were replace sometime in December 2021 and they also did the wheel balance and wheel alignment. Around January 2022, while driving, I could feel the tightness on the steering wheel and also my car pulling left and at times crossing into the adjacent lane and was tough on the steering wheel to bring it back to the previous lane. I informed Pep Boys and they carried out some tests and also did a wheel alignment at no cost. The problem hasn't been fixed, there's a knocking noise in the steering wheel and the car is still pulling right, there's also the sensor light flashing in the dashboard, which the mechanic at Pep Boys is unable to fix even after carrying out diagnostic tests. The vehicle is available for inspection, it has been inspected by Pep Boys, the warning lamp for the wheels is continuously flashing and Pep Boys has been unable to determine the course.
Steering, Dec 4, 2021
Steering Coupler inside steering motor has disintegrate. Causing a clanking noise as you turn the steering wheel. There is just a service bulletin recommending you switch this part out, but no recall yet. If the coupler bushing were to completely disintegrate you would have a locked steering column or lose complete control of your electric steering.
Steering, Suspension, Dec 2, 2021
Subframe is rotted. It snapped while driving; braking the control arm in the process. The lives of my children and myself were put at risk. If we had been on a busy road or highway, ourselves and others would have been at serious risk of sever injury and/or possible death. It has not been seen by a service center, incident happened 11/29/2021. The vehicle was inspected by a personal mechanic to find the cause of the malfunction. There were know warning signs before the component failure.
Steering, Oct 27, 2021
THE STEERING WHEEL HAS WEIRD NOICES THAT JERKS IN THE HIGH WAY. IT IS SCARY KEEPING CONTROL OF LANES.
Steering, Oct 24, 2021
The HYUNDAI Genuine OEM Flexible Steering Couple 56315-2K000FFF has failed. The steering wheel clicks and has a clunking feel and is getting more pronounced. There is a manufacturing design flaw in the rubber compound causing it to disintegrate within the unit. For some reason, all Hyundai Elantra models using this coupler are covered under a manufacturers special warranty with the exception of the Coupe Models that they made for only 2 years.
Steering, Sep 15, 2021
There was a recall on previous Hyundai models for this same issue. The HYUNDAI Genuine OEM Flexible Steering Couple 56315-2K000FFF. I began to notice a slight sound a year ago, & it got worse. This is a KNOWN issue, yet Hyundai is saying its not a recall. This is an $8.00 part but in a spot that will cost $300+ in labor. This is a manufacture design flaw that should have never happened. Driving down the road the wheel is not stable.
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 13, 2021
1. There is an electrical issue with the power steering. 2. This poses a HUGE safety risk, as the power steering could completely give out and we could lose control of the vehicle. 3. A local mechanic we use confirmed this. 4. No warning lights came on. We had started to hear a "clunking" or "knocking" sound when turning the wheel so took it in to get inspected.
Steering, Sep 6, 2021
There was a recall on previous Hyundai models for this same issue. The HYUNDAI Genuine OEM Flexible Steering Couple 56315-2K000FFF. Has failed some time ago and we had no idea it was this dangerous until today. The steering wheel would click and has done so for a long time over 2 years and we noticed it getting much worse so we looked up videos and parts to see what it could be. This is a manufacture design flaw that should have never happened. Driving down the road the wheel is not stable and bumps or thumps and is also very distracting while driving. The biggest concern is that it makes you think that the steering is going to fail and you will crash. If Hyundai did this to make people come in for a repair to just get money at the expense of fearful customers this is a corporate wrong that needs to be corrected and force them to repair all these at no cost for the life of the car and redesign these so this never happens again.
Steering, Aug 31, 2021
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra's EPS light locks my steering wheel mid driving. The traction control light also comes on simultaneously, causing me to be unable to steer at an array of speeds.